Dunlop D404 Tires

[fastpakr]

Vaguely related...
I ordered a replacement for the Dunlop K627 on the back of mine today after about 4000 miles, but that was primarily due to my failure to keep it properly inflated. The replacement is a Bridgestone S11R, a dual compound that was $57 from MAW (significantly higher from all other sources I checked). I'll post more once I receive it and get it mounted.

I'd like to hear about those myself, I was considering S11's too.

FYI, I've been running the S11's now for a few weeks and have nothing but praise for them. Compared to what was on there, the traction is significantly improved and the handling is very predictable. I'll post more once I have a few thousand miles on them.

[bj]

Here's an update on my Avon AM18 Super Venom tires. I now have over 5000 miles on the tires and the rear is about shot, maybe another 500 miles and the center tread grooves will be gone. The front is wearing great and should be good for several thousand more miles.

I've done two 1000 mile weekend rides recently and the extra weight of soft saddle bags and long distance high speed riding seems to have accelerated the wear on the rear. The tires performed exceptionally well in both dry and very wet conditions and provided excellent handling during some very spirited riding on the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway this past week.

These tire are not the cheapest available but are very reasonable considering the mileage they provide. I'll definitely stay with these tires.

[herostar]

5 years later...

Any long term updates from anyone?

I'm about to put a new set of d404's on my '81 450

[marvinsc]

I went through a set in about 4000 miles on my old 850. Not a high mileage tire.

[7981GS]

Same here. I was lucky to get 7,000 out of them on a stock '79 GS750.
Same as the Continentals.
Then I tried the Bridgestone Spitfires!
Now, I have been using the Battleax BT-45's with the same success.
Almost 8,500 in the rear and about 20-22,000 on the front.
On the 1000's and 1100's.

Daniel

[jeff.saunders]

I've similar experiences with the D404's - decent grip, stable in a straight line, moderate wear. I tend to use these on bikes I don't push too hard as they are only H rated.

Unlike some of the other tires, I feel more confident on these than some of the other brands (Michelin being one). I prefer the road feel over the BT45's. But they sure don't last long.

[GS ace]

I run D404s on my GSs and have for quite a while. For the money, they perform very well and are predictable.

[Steve]

I tend to use these on bikes I don't push too hard as they are only H rated.

If I remember correctly, "H-rated" is good for sustained speeds of 130 mph.

Just how often are you sustaining 130, but probably more important, WHERE??

.

[GS ace]

I'm with you on that, Steve and Jeff. Speed ratings don't mean much of anything to me on my vintage bikes that I don't see any reason to be running at warp speed. An H rating will do just fine.

[cowboyup3371]

My 404s are running pretty nice but of course I'm still a newbie at this. I'll keep my eyes on the tread and mileage though. However, I'm only comfortable doing 70 - 75 mph right now.

[TheCafeKid]

Avons.....

[bwringer]

5 years later...

Any long term updates from anyone?

I'm about to put a new set of d404's on my '81 450

Jeez, talk about grave digging...



Don't know why I never checked back in, but I ended up pretty unhappy with the 404s.

Lo these many years later, I've tried many other tires. I came to realize that the 404's change in handling habits was just plain unacceptable. I believe it was a few weeks before I got around to mounting up those 491s, (sadly, NLA in 17" rears) and the 404s were positively evil before I finally peeled them off.

Get Avon AM26 RoadRiders and ride happy.

[TheCafeKid]

Jeez, talk about grave digging...



Don't know why I never checked back in, but I ended up pretty unhappy with the 404s.

Lo these many years later, I've tried many other tires. I came to realize that the 404's change in handling habits was just plain unacceptable. I believe it was a few weeks before I got around to mounting up those 491s, (sadly, NLA in 17" rears) and the 404s were positively evil before I finally peeled them off.

Get Avon AM26 RoadRiders and ride happy.

Preach ON Brutha Brian!!

[Octain]

Avons.....

Yeah, if ya enjoy riding on dry rotted tires.
I dont..

[jeff.saunders]

If I remember correctly, "H-rated" is good for sustained speeds of 130 mph.

Just how often are you sustaining 130, but probably more important, WHERE??

.

One bike I own is 1200cc's and turbocharged. That will get to 130mph before most bikes hit 100mph. I run GT501's on that bike. Before that some very nice sticky Pirelli tires that lasted well less than 3000 miles.

BWRINGER - I noticed with the D404 setting the tire pressure to what the bike likes is crucial. I tend to run the D404 a little softer than the OEM specs suggest (32 front, 35 rear). Most of my experience with the D404 is with Kawasaki 900/1000 motorcycles, although I do have a set on one of my GS1000's.